Wondering if Water can Damage the Foundation of your home? If so, what can be done?
In this guide you will learn:
- How quickly can Water Damage the foundation of your home,
- Most Common Causes of Foundation Damage,
- Issues Water Damaged Foundation can cause,
- Repair Options & How to Prevent Foundation Water Damage.
Can Water Damage Concrete Foundation
Water damaging concrete seems like a myth at first but your concrete foundation can absolutely be water damaged.
Water damage can occur to the foundation of homes in many ways and the severity and fixes of this water damage can be just as varied.
Standing Water
Standing water can pool up and collect around a home’s foundation and, even if it is concrete, will eventually find its way in there.
Concrete is by no means completely waterproof and water will find its way into its pores over time. Once the water is in, the process of erosion will begin and cause the foundation to break down slowly and crack.
If you spot cracks in the wall or ceiling in your home, this can be a sign that standing water has affected your foundation.
Freezing Temperatures
Standing water poses a problem no matter what the weather is like; however, freezing temperatures creates another problem for your foundation.
If water gets into your foundation and freezes, it will push and expand the concrete. This causes the foundation to push and swell upwards and will create seams in the ceiling and walls.
Broken Water Lines
A broken water line can also cause standing water to pool up around a concrete foundation and this water can cause problems much quicker than rain water.
Water from broken pipes beneath your home can create standing water but the water from these pipes will erode through concrete quicker and cause not only problems inside your home but outside as well.
Common Causes Of Water Damaged Foundations
1.Erosion
Erosion is among the most common causes of foundation water damage.
Underground springs or rainwater can damage your foundation, granted, on a rather slow timescale.
This water can erode the soil that supports the foundation, which causes something called foundation settlement.
Some signs that erosion is damaging your foundation include uneven floors, doors that can’t close properly, tilting chimneys and drywall cracks.
2.Hydrostatic Pressure
The scientific definition of hydrostatic pressure is “The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity.” (Source)
While this pressure can be used for many great inventions and is a fundamental aspect of liquids, this pressure can damage your foundation.
This pressure from water around your home can create bows and cracks in the foundation walls and result in leaks.
3.Expansive Soils
Expansive soils contain certain minerals which will absorb water around it. Again, this is a good thing, for the most part, and is something nearly every state uses.
However, expansive soils will continue to expand more and more as more water comes in and, the larger it gets, the more pressure it can exert on your home’s foundation.
Once the soil dries, it will decrease in volume and the process will start over again.
This process of growing and shrinking can cause cracks in the floor and massive damage to your foundation. It is very important not to have this kind of soil near a home’s foundation.
To Sum it up The water that can cause damage to a home’s foundation typically comes from rain or broken pipes underneath the home.
More times than not, the water will come up into the foundation from the ground or pool around it from the surrounding areas.
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How To Tell If Your Foundation Has Been Water Damaged
There are a few key signs that can tell you if your home’s foundation has been damaged by water.
Some are signs you can find inside your home and others you can see from outside.
All of these signs are certainly causes for concern and, should you discover any of these around your home, be sure to check your foundation for damage as soon as possible.
Interior Signs
- Cracks on the Floor and Walls
When your foundation becomes water damaged it will typically cause the walls or floor to shift slightly and this shift will cause them to crack or bend.
This is one of the easiest signs to spot when it comes to water damage and, if you see these unexplained cracks, it is certainly time to check the foundation for cracks too.
- Musty Air
Particularly in the basement, if the air has a musty or humid feel to it, you should check to see if there are any pools of water around the foundation.
Basements tend to have this air around them simply because they are below ground, so it’s easy to dismiss this sign.
However, if the smell becomes too bad, this may be a sign of mold growing which is an obvious indicator that standing water is somewhere in the basement.
Exterior Signs
- Windows or Doors Can’t Close Or Open Properly
This is one of the most common signs of foundation damage people find and leave unattended thinking the door or window is the problem.
Again, when a foundation gets damaged by water, it will warp your home’s floors and walls and this will cause door frames and window frames to warp as well.
Once these frames become warped, it can make the doors or windows difficult to open or close and can even cause cracks in them after a while.
- Leaning Walls
Leaning walls can be a difficult thing to spot but, if you do spot this, it is a clear sign that your foundation needs repair as soon as possible.
You can spot leaning walls by seeing a crack around the middle of the wall going upwards. These cracks can be barely visible sometimes or go up the entire wall.
If you do spot one of these cracks, it is time to call in a professional because this is a clear sign that water has damaged your home’s foundation.
If you are wondering how Quickly Can Water Damage Your Home’s Foundation….
As mentioned in an earlier section, water can take a long time to erode your foundation if left unattended to the point of noticeable damage.
Although, in the event of flooding or a violent storm, water can damage your home’s foundation in less than a day.
If your home was affected by a natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane, it is certainly time to call a professional to check your foundation once it’s safe.
Issues Water Damaged Foundations Can Cause To My Home
Leaving a water-damaged foundation unattended can cause life-threatening problems to those living in the property.
There are many issues that can arise from water damaged foundations and we’ll go through a few of them in the sections below.
1.Mold And Mildew
Water, especially in a cold basement, is a breeding ground for black mold and all kinds of other mildews that can cause disease if you breathe in the air around them.
Lung diseases and even cancer can occur if mold and mildew is left to grow freely around the water around your foundation.
Plus, even if the mold is removed by professionals, it will take no time at all to grow back if the source of the problem is not dealt with too.
2.Structural Damage
The most pressing and obvious issue that a water damaged foundation can cause is structural damage to your home.
Leaning walls, bent or cracked door frames, cracks in the flooring, are just a few of the many things that can go wrong when a home’s foundation becomes water damaged.
At worst, if the damage is completely ignored, the foundation will eventually break and the house will come crumbling down with it as well.
3.Electrical Damage
Your home’s electricity can also be affected by a water damaged foundation, less from the water itself, but more from the structural damage.
Of course, the water can short out fuses as well, but cracked walls can sometimes break outlets and even separate wires from where they need to go to give your home power.
Power outages are a rare issue but sometimes, it is a sign that water has seeped into your foundation and needs to be repaired.
Repairing a Water Damaged Foundation
There are 2 main methods of how Water Damaged Foundations are Repaired.
1.Slabjacking
Slabjacking is the most common method to repair foundations and is often used for smaller damage or small slabs.
This is done by injecting a special cement mixture in the concrete slab first by drilling holes in the concrete slab.
The type of material injected will depend on your specific case, however often this is a limestone slurry also commonly known as ”mud” , also hence this method being commonly referred to as ”Mud Jacking”.
As the Concrete Mixture Sets and hardens, it will stabilize the foundation and also lift it.
If more Lifting is needed for your Water Damaged Foundation, Polyurethane foam will be used which has much greater lifting potential and also much better control when compared to injecting limestone concrete mixture.
2.Piering ( Hydraulic Jacking )
Hydraulic Jacking is most often used for larger foundation damage issues, and specially used in situations where it’s not advisable to add large mass to the foundation.
In this method special Hydraulic jacks are used to lift the foundation as the steel piers are driven in to stabilize the foundation that are held in place by special footings and brackets.
Piering will effectively address both, the Unstable Soil and the Foundation being out of level.
Water damage can be a slow process and repairing it can seem like something that can be put off for a while and done at your leisure.
While small cracks and bends are not an extremely pressing matter, it is always better (and easier) to deal with water damage before it becomes a serious issue.
Many homeowners will try to repair cracks or warping from water damage themselves and, without professional experience, can make this issue worse.
Typically, when someone spots a crack in their wall they will use caulk or another epoxy to simply fill it so no more water gets in.
This is actually counterproductive because, while it does keep more water from getting in, the water that is already in is now trapped and will continue to erode the foundation with no hope of getting out naturally.
Professionals are perfectly equipped to deal with these cracks and, if you catch the damage early enough, calling in a professional will not be as expensive as you may think.
Although, repairing water damaged foundation can build up a huge price tag if the foundation is in jeopardy and there needs to be some digging done to fully repair it.
Repairing a home’s foundation is by no means a simple DIY home improvement job and will require careful planning, as well as, someone with experience to assess the damage.
How To Stop & Prevent Foundation Water Damage
Clean Your Gutters
This may seem like a strange way to prevent foundation damage but keeping your gutters clean plays a huge part in keeping your home’s foundation stable.
Your gutter’s job is to keep rainwater away from your home and onto the street where it can head into the storm drains to be filtered.
If your gutter gets clogged, the rainwater will begin to spill out its sides and fall straight to the ground right next to your home. It won’t take long for that water to seep into the ground and down into your foundation after that.
Ensure Your Downspout Faces Away From The Foundation
Gutters and downspouts are two different parts of the same system. Your downspout is especially important because it is the part that directs all the rainwater in your gutters away from your home.
If your downspout is crooked, bent, or facing the wrong way, it needs to be fixed so it faces away from your foundation.
Luckily, fixing your downspout is a fairly simple task and can be done in an hour or so with the right tools.
Make Sure The Soil Does Not Go Dry
This seems like a completely backwards mentality but you do want the soil surrounding your foundation to be somewhat wet.
Soil will shrink after a long while without any water so, if you live in an area that is known for long droughts, you should periodically water the soil around your home.
If the soil does dry out, the next rainstorm that comes will cause it to expand quickly and this sudden expansion can potentially crack your foundation.
Water Under Foundation – How Bad Is It?
Water getting under your foundation is certainly bad but, depending on the amount of water and how long it has been there, it is not a cause for immediate concern.
Your home’s foundation is not fragile by any stretch and it can handle a little bit of water under it so long as it goes away after a while.
Leaving a large volume of water under your foundation for months or years is a cause for large concern and can become a very expensive repair the longer it gets ignored.
If Water is Coming Up Through Foundation…
As mentioned before, groundwater can cause damage to a home’s foundation and it does this by coming up through the bottom of it.
If you begin to see pools of water coming up through your basement floor, this is a big red flag that water is coming up through your foundation and causing damage.
When to Call a Professional
If you discover any signs of water damage to your foundation, it is important to let a professional look at it and assess the damages that may have already occurred.
Also, you should not try to fix your home’s foundation unless you have years of experience working on homes or repairing these types of issues as some methods can even be counterproductive!
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FAQs
What does water damage to foundation look like? ›
Mold streaks and mildew on your walls are indications of water damage. Both thrive in damp and wet environments. If you spot greyish, whitish, or greenish substances on your walls, chances are mold/mildew has taken over. Mold can pose health risks such as respiratory complications and breathing problems.
What happens if water gets under your foundation? ›Water can ruin the exterior and interior of your home. Your foundation can be discolored, and prematurely aged. If it soaks through to your floors it can ruin hardwood, laminate, and tile… not to mention the damage to baseboards and your walls! Basements smell musty from always being damp.
What needs to be replaced after water damage? ›Remove and Toss Damaged Porous Materials
Porous materials include carpet, insulation, fabric, and similar items. If they've been soaked in water, you may have to cut them out and throw them away. Water will permanently damage most porous materials by shrinking or warping them, and mildew will damage them even further.
Water damage in a foundation is often gradual, starting with small cracks allowing in small amounts of water. This weakens the foundation and lets in more water. This process can take months or even years to destroy your foundation.
How do you stop water from seeping through the foundation? ›The only way to stop water from coming up through your foundation slab is by installing a drain tile system, vapor barrier, and sump pump. Installing a vapor barrier will counter moisture seepage – A vapor barrier is a thin (10 to 20-mil thick) sheet of polyethylene that's placed along your foundation walls.
What does water damage look like on concrete? ›If you see darkened and discolored areas, there's a good chance your floors are being damaged by moisture intrusion. Over time, water can delaminate the commercial floor paint from the surface, meaning the paint will lose its adhesion and begin to peel, chip, or flake away.
What happens when water sits on concrete? ›Water can breakdown the materials that concrete is made of. Create mold and bacteria in the concrete, and cause concrete foundations to move and shift. All of these result in cracks in the concrete. Eventually damage to the concrete foundation of the home if not taken care of promptly.
Can water seep through concrete foundation? ›However, concrete is porous. No, water isn't going to soak up like a sponge, but concrete does allow water to seep through when there is enough. Concrete also cracks, and those cracks will be the first routes of seeping water as it leaks through the slab.
How long does it take water to erode foundation? ›Unfortunately, no one factor causes damage, and so there is no fixed amount of time. Underground water sources can cause the concrete to crack. If this is the case, it could be years before you notice any damage. However, these gradual changes are almost a constant attack on the foundation.
Does water damage eventually go away? ›In many cases, water damage will dry on its own within a few weeks. However, just because the water dries out doesn't mean you should ignore it. If you don't address water damage immediately, it can lead to mold growth and other problems with your home.
What does water damage do long term? ›
Permanent water stains and unsightly mold water damage markings on ceilings, walls and floors. Erosion of drywall, often causing it to be warped or changed in texture (TIP: newer water spots will feel firm to the touch, while older water damage will create a spongy, mushy feeling) Bubbled paint.
How do you fix permanent water damage? ›- Clean The Area. Before you start a project like this, give the water damaged area a good clean. ...
- Clear And Scrape Any Flaking In The Area. ...
- Cover Water Damaged Area With A Peel-Stop / Sealer Binder. ...
- Apply Filler. ...
- Sand Surface. ...
- Apply Water-based Primer / Sealer. ...
- Apply Paint.
Water damage to the foundation can erode the stability of your house. It can result in cracks, bent walls, and in some severe instances, the collapse of the home itself.
What happens if water gets in your walls? ›Additionally, if left untreated, water damage on walls can cause the surface to crack, peel or buckle. This can create both cosmetic and structural issues. Water damage can also give host to mold and mildew. That's why repairing water-damaged drywall in a timely manner is best.
Will water next to house foundation cause a problem? ›When water stands next to your house, it will be absorbed by the soils next to and under your foundation. Over time, if the soils do not get a chance to dry out, they will swell up and lift your home. You might not expect soils to be able to push a home up, but they can.
Should I fill gap between foundation and soil? ›Avoid Filling Foundation Perimeter with Soil
Adding extra soil can add pressure to structures once healthy moisture levels resume.
Concrete is by design a porous material and water can pass through it by hydrostatic pressure, water vapor gradient or capillary action. Water can also enter at cracks, structural defects or at improperly designed or installed joints.
Is a little water in basement OK? ›Water in the basement can lead to mold, musty smells, damaged walls and floors, and ruined furniture and belongings. It's necessary to get rid of the water, fix underlying basement water problems, and take steps to keep your basement dry.
How can you tell if there is a water leak under concrete? ›- A sudden decrease in water pressure.
- Water collecting in areas it shouldn't.
- Areas of carpet that stay damp.
- Warped hardwood flooring.
- A hot water heater that's constantly running.
Use your home or office dehumidifier to dry out the affected space, especially if the humidity level is above 50%. Create air movement. To speed up the drying process, place fans in the affected room close the doors. The air movement will help dry out the concrete.
How do you fix water damaged concrete? ›
Repair Guidelines
Clean the damaged surface before beginning repair for light scaling. Use a pressure washer to spray away crumbling cement, dirt, plants and stains. Resurface the affected area with a finishing seal. Once dry, apply a waterproof coating to help prevent further degradation.
FAQs. What happens if rain pounds on freshly poured concrete? It can change the consistency and reduce the strength of concrete, increase the chance of dusting and scaling, and ruin the appearance of concrete.
Can water damage a slab foundation? ›It can crack floors, walls and ceilings. The heavy water washes the soil the foundation rests on. Apart from it, pressing water has the power to separate foundation from walls. Concrete piling underneath the foundation can also be damaged.
Does moisture weaken concrete? ›Excess water at the surface can also weaken the concrete and cause dusting to occur when it dries. Mold – Wet conditions are a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. This can erode concrete and damage the integrity of the floor.
Does sealing concrete stop moisture? ›Sealer prevents moisture and other elements from seeping below the surface and negatively affecting your concrete surface.
How does water get into foundation? ›The five most common sources of basement water intrusion are the joint between the foundation footing and the wall, windows, tiny spaces around the steel form ties from when the foundation walls were poured; other cold poured joints in the walls, and foundation cracks, even newly sealed ones.
How fast do foundations sink? ›Most houses will settle into the ground by about an inch during the first 3 to 10 years after it is built. However, there is a big difference between slight settling and a sinking foundation.
What are some signs of foundation damage? ›- Exterior Wall Cracks. ...
- Interior Wall Cracks. ...
- Bouncing Floors. ...
- Cabinets or Counters Separated From Walls. ...
- Mildew Smell. ...
- Warped or Cracked Siding. ...
- Sinking Ground. ...
- Sticking Doors.
One key indicator of a slab leak is a focused spot of warmth in a floor or a single room that is warm or humid. Slab leaks in a hot water line cause hot water to accumulate. This heat transfers into the surrounding flooring and environment.
How do I know if my foundation is leaking? ›- Hot spots on the floor. ...
- Unusually high water bills. ...
- Sound of running water. ...
- Floors warping or planks popping. ...
- Mold and mildew under carpets. ...
- Water pooling around your home.
Can a house with a bad foundation be saved? ›
Unfortunately, all foundations will not be able to be saved or replaced. This is why, as a homeowner, it is important to educate yourself on foundations. You should know what to look for and when to take action. Once you know the ins and outs of monitoring your foundation it will become routine and less intimidating.
When should you walk away from foundation problems? ›You should walk away from foundation issues if the person selling the house refuses to lower the asking price to compensate for the necessary repairs. That means you'll need to have already had the home inspected by either a foundation repair contractor or a structural engineer.
Can your house collapse from foundation issues? ›Yes, serious foundation issues do put your home's stability at risk. This is why, if a foundation wall collapses, you need a structural engineer or a highly qualified contractor to assess the damage.
Can you detect a water leak under concrete? ›Tracer gas can be particularly useful when trying to find a water leak under a concrete floor or slab. The molecular size of the gas is far smaller than the water, the escaping gas will easily permeate through the concrete and emerge at the surface where it can be detected using the 'sniffer' air sampling equipment.
Can you seal a foundation leak from the inside? ›Most basement leak repairs, regardless of whether they are performed on brick, cement block, or concrete foundations, can be performed from the inside or the outside of the home. If you have a poured concrete foundation, both interior and exterior waterproofing repairs can be effective in preventing a wet basement.
Can water seep under concrete? ›However, concrete is porous. No, water isn't going to soak up like a sponge, but concrete does allow water to seep through when there is enough. Concrete also cracks, and those cracks will be the first routes of seeping water as it leaks through the slab.
Does water ever leave concrete? ›Water, water everywhere
It leaves the surface of the concrete and evaporates into the air. Often, though, it takes longer for that moisture to leave than people think. Even if the surface is dry, the interior of the slab may not be.
The average cost for sinking foundation repair ranges from $500 to $3,000. Leak repairs can cost as little as $2,000 or as much as $7,000 depending on severity.